When Is EastEnders on This Week? BBC Schedule Twist Confirmed

Longtime EastEnders fans are facing another unexpected shake-up this week, as the BBC has confirmed a temporary change in the show’s broadcast schedule. Due to the BBC’s live coverage of Wimbledon and the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers, the soap’s usual Monday–Thursday evening slots have been revised, leading to a new air pattern that may catch some viewers off guard.

But there’s no need to panic. Whether you’re a die-hard TV viewer or an early-morning streamer, EastEnders is still airing — just in a slightly different way than usual. Below is everything you need to know about when to watch EastEnders this week and how to stay up to date with all the drama unfolding in Albert Square.

📺 What’s the New Schedule?

Under normal circumstances, EastEnders airs on BBC One, Monday through Thursday, at 7:30 PM. However, this week, due to sports programming taking over the BBC’s primetime lineup, there is a shift in the show’s release format and timing.

Here’s the updated breakdown:

• Monday & Tuesday:
  No new episodes aired on BBC One. This break is due to live coverage of Wimbledon and pre-scheduled sports events.

• Wednesday 9 July:
  Double bill of EastEnders will air at 8:00 PM and 8:30 PM on BBC One. These two back-to-back episodes are expected to cover major plot developments and will likely be the most explosive of the week.

• Thursday 10 July:
  A single episode airs at 7:00 PM on BBC One, moving slightly earlier than the usual 7:30 slot.

• Friday 11 July:
  Another single episode airs at 7:00 PM, wrapping up the week.

This means viewers will get four episodes in total this week, but with a compressed schedule over three days instead of four — and with Monday and Tuesday left empty on television.

📲 iPlayer Early Releases Remain

Despite the broadcast shift, fans can still get their EastEnders fix through BBC iPlayer, where new episodes continue to drop early each morning at 6:00 AM. This includes all the week’s episodes, typically available well before the evening broadcasts.

The iPlayer early release model allows fans to binge-watch the entire week’s drama ahead of the BBC One schedule. For those avoiding spoilers, early viewing may be a helpful strategy.

🎭 What’s Happening This Week in Walford

Even with a changed release schedule, the drama in Albert Square is heating up faster than ever. This week’s episodes are jam-packed with tension, secrets, and explosive consequences as several storylines reach pivotal turning points.

🔹 Ravi Gulati’s Drug Operation Spirals

Ravi finds himself in hot water when a desperate financial decision leads him back into criminal activity. In a bid to provide something special for his daughter Avani, he agrees to stash a car loaded with drugs — but things quickly go wrong. Ravi ropes in Harry Mitchell to help, putting the younger Mitchell in an impossible position that could ruin his reputation and future.

🔹 Harry and Kojo Face the Fallout

Harry tries to keep the stash a secret, moving the drug-laden car into the garage. But when Kojo Asare uncovers the operation, he is horrified. Kojo, always known for his principles, is faced with a serious dilemma: protect his friend or go to the authorities? The confrontation between the two is intense, with their friendship — and their futures — hanging in the balance.

🔹 Lauren Branning’s Breaking Point

Lauren continues to spiral after a shocking betrayal and growing tensions within her family. Her mental health is clearly deteriorating, and when her son Louie suddenly goes missing, panic takes over. Is Lauren losing control — or is someone trying to sabotage her from the shadows?